Rare macaque handed over to Quang Binh Park

Update:
October, 28/2015 - 14:01

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A bear macaque. — Photo wildlifeatrisk.org

QUANG BINH (VNS) — A resident of this province yesterday voluntarily handed over a bear macaque, a species listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, to a national park.

Mai Van Dinh, who lives in Bo Trach District, handed over the mammal to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the central province after keeping it captive at home for a long period.

The park's veterinary staff are taking care of the macaque, weighing about 5kg, to improve its health and to help it regain its natural instincts before it is released into the wild.

Bear macaques, with the scientific name Macaca arctoides, are native to southwest China, northeast India, Bangladesh and South East Asia and are vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss from deforestation.

In Viet Nam, the hunting, caging, killing and transport, besides trade of wild animals are prohibited by law. However, some residents keep mammals as pets at home. — VNS